Technology

Before taking this class I fully intended on incorporating technology into the classroom, I just wasn’t sure how I was going to do so. I was unaware of all the tools that are available. I thought of using technology more in the higher-grade levels rather than in an elementary school setting. I now am able to see how important it is to start incorporating technology early on and different ways to do so. I think one of the most important things we learned was that technology should really be incorporated into the lesson plans themselves; flowing together rather than being separate.

I am very grateful that I learned about a PLN. I have spoken with so many teachers that do not have one and I feel that it is really hurting them. I find myself going home after class and sharing all of the cool sites that we discover in class. I think the creation and upkeep of my PLN will definitely help me when I venture out and get my own classroom. There are so many stresses with becoming a new teacher; resources should not be one of them.

Right now I am a program para-educator at Bedford High School working with seniors. Even though I do not have my own classroom, I definitely plan on using what I have learned in class. By showing the students different tools that are available to help them study and by sharing the other tools with colleagues, I definitely think that I can make everyone’s life a bit easier. When I get my own classroom someday, it will depend what grade I teach as to what types of technology that I use.

PLN's

Professional learning networks are extremely important, especially for new teachers. PLN's allow teachers to keep in contacts with colleagues that they otherwise would not. i think it it's especially important for new teachers to devote quality time to following their PLN?s. Their peers will be able to give them feedback on questions as well as ideas and suggestions.

Time management is extremely important for teachers. The benefits of a PLN?s are so great that is well worth it to make the time to create and follow it. There are so many tools out there that that make it easy to follow a PLN. Even if only a short time a week, it will be time well spent. And honestly, who doesn?t have a few hours a week to spare?

The strength of your PLN can be evaluated in your performance as a teacher. If your PLN is not making you a better teacher/colleague, what is it really doing? It is up to you to evaluate your own PLN, asking yourself what are you really getting out of it. It is very easy to sift through and filter out what is not helping and find new people to add. A PLN is only as good as you make it. You must put effort into it if you want a strong, helpful tool.

equal access

Teachers are required to provide equal access of technology to all students. What is equal access? Does it mean that a teacher grant the same computer time to every student during the day? What about the children that do not have computers at home, should they be given the same time as their peers who have parents that are computer programmers? Should they be given extra time?
Sometimes technology is the last thing on a teacher's mind. Some elementary school students can barely read. Teachers are more converned about that than computer use. A problem also arises if the school only has a limited amount of computers.
Another important question is the definition of technology and access along with the quality. One teacher may have their students using computers everyday blogging and doing other things while another simply has their students type reports.These students are not really getting equal access. This is definitely a tricky subject. it is something that is hard to regulate and not really fair to demand of teachers.

Evaluating Web Sites

Students are encouraged to use the internet in their research. It is important for teachers to evaluate the websites that are suggested. Anyone can make a website. Many students are unaware and do not know how to tell if something is reliable or valid. Similarly, teachers should evaluate the sites to see if they are acceptable. For example, wikipedia. Kids do not understand why wikipedia is not acceptable by many teachers. It is important to explain to the students the reason for the evaluation and if it is poor, why. 

What is Technology Integration

It is extremely important to integrate technology into the classroom. Kids are interested in technology and by using something that already sparks their interest, teachers are able to reach the kids on a new level. There are many ways that technology can be incorporated into teaching, depending on the age of the students. For example, a first grade class could enjoy digital storytelling while a middle school class could design a webpage. Technology is our future. It would only be hurting the students if teachers do not use any sort of electronic equipment in their classroom. Not only what kind of technology that is used is important. How often it is used is equally as important. A class that goes to the computer lab once a week will benefit less than a class that uses computers everyday. There are so many types of technology that can be utilized by teachers. Pod casts, web sites, blogging, and many more tools can be used. It will help develop the students’ ability to research. It can also allow them to connect with others outside the classroom that they normally would never come in contact with. Similarly, it can be beneficial for the teachers as well. They are able to use tools such as online lectures and more hands on lessons.